Inspiring Lifelong Learners | Compass Collegiate Academy

About Compass Collegiate Academy

Compass Collegiate Academy (CCA) is a new, tuition-free, K-8 public charter school that opened in August of 2021 in Charleston, South Carolina. CCA currently serves grades K-2 and will grow a grade each year until it is a full K-8 school.

CCA is on a mission to provide every scholar with the academic foundation and strong habits that inspire and cultivate lifelong learners who lead purposeful, civic lives.

We Are

Inclusive

We welcome the diverse students that make up our collective community and are committed to learning and growing together.

Supportive

With a helping hand, we raise expectations and uphold rigorous academic standards in order to provide high-quality education where every child can succeed.

Innovative

We strive to inspire hope in the community and make a positive impact on future generations through providing a unique and innovative academic model for Charleston families.

Joyful

We preserve the joy of teaching and celebrate the fun of learning through daily social and emotional programming, regular time for recess, and bringing creativity and joy to classrooms.

Our Six Pillars

1. “ALL MEANS ALL” ARE WORDS WE LIVE BY EVERY DAY

The school will operate with a non-negotiable belief in the potential of every child. Every adult employed at the school will operate with a daily mindset that every scholar can achieve at high levels irrespective of a scholar’s family income, disability, language proficiency or prior developmental experience.

2. RIGOROUS CURRICULUM AND ACADEMIC ROOTS

The school’s rigorous curriculum and academic program are designed to assist scholars to acquire a foundation of knowledge and advanced literacy skills in the early grades that will prepare scholars to undertake higher-order analysis, evaluation, and critical thinking skills in later grades.

3. INTENTIONAL COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL GROWTH

Preparing scholars for successful secondary and postsecondary pursuits involves growing both sharp minds and big hearts. CCA will focus on helping scholars to better understand their own identities, their communities, and how to successfully build relationships with peers across lines of difference. Scholars will develop character strengths such as kindness, determination, curiosity, gratitude and integrity and will be better equipped to positively impact their diverse local communities and world.

4. HIGH-QUALITY TEACHERS & LEADERS MATTER DEEPLY

The school will have a robust hiring and development model based on some of the nation’s best public schools to ensure a high-quality teaching and learning environment for scholars. Teachers and leaders will be respected as skilled practitioners and professionals in a culture that prioritizes continuous growth and development for adults as well as scholars.

5. PERSONALIZED LEARNING THROUGH DATA-DRIVEN INSTRUCTION

Through a continuous cycle of assessment, analysis, and action, the school will identify personalized needs to close academic gaps while also differentiating instruction for scholars with more advanced achievement.

6. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT AND SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY

The school values families as partners in the academic growth and human development of scholars. Families can expect daily updates on scholar progress, weekly phone communication and availability with a scholar’s teacher, open doors to the school, and access to workshops and seminars on childhood human development. The school will intentionally cultivate a supportive school community among diverse families.